Big day for Robert Bolden

BY MICHAEL HORAN
FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER

FENTON -- Quarterback Robert Bolden and Orchard Lake St. Mary's defense proved to be too much for DeWitt, as the Eaglets cruised to a 44-27 victory Saturday in a Division 3 semifinal at Fenton.

St. Mary's defense came out strong, causing a fumble on the first play, then forced a three-and-out. After leading, 9-0, on a 33-yard field goal and a 1-yard touchdown by running back Enrique Pardo, Gary Hunter made another great defensive play for the Eaglets (8-4).

Quarterback Jimmy Williams' pass was tipped by a DeWitt receiver, and Hunter picked it off for a 29-yard interception return for a 16-0 first-quarter lead.

“Our defense, Gary Hunter with that pick, I think sent us in the right direction,” coach George Porritt said. “I think you always talk about it, turnovers, that got us an easy touchdown, and that was a big part of the game and got us going.”

DeWitt (12-1) was scoreless until 1:27 in the second quarter when Williams hooked up with Joel Stiffler for a 66-yard touchdown, ending the first half at 30-7. DeWitt cut into St. Mary's lead again with 3:25 left in the third quarter, scoring on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Jordan Johnson, but failed on the two-point conversion, making it 30-13.

Bolden took over in the fourth quarter. On a fourth-and-4, Bolden rolled out for a 28-yard touchdown to put the Eaglets up, 37-19, with 11:54 left. On their next possession, Bolden hooked up with Luke Pabst for a 13-yard touchdown.

DeWitt ended the scoring with 1:04 left, making it 44-27 on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Stiffler.

Bolden was 7-for-10 for 145 yards and three touchdown passes, rushing for 64 yards and another touchdown for the Eaglets.

“We got Robert involved in the offense, and he did a very nice job for us today like he has all three years that he has played for me,” Porritt said. “Robert Bolden is a great player and you got to see that today.”

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Orchard Lake St. Mary's quarterback Robert Bolden hurdles a DeWitt defender. (KEVIN FOWLER/SPECIAL TO DFP)

Orchard Lake St. Mary's quarterback Robert Bolden leaps over DeWitt defenders and into the end zone for a touchdown with 8:54 remaining in the 4th quarter of their Division 3 State Semi-final game

DeWitt quarterback Jimmy Williams is sacked by James Ross of Orchard Lake St. Mary's in the 3rd quarter of their Division 3 State Semi-final game

Enrique Pardo of Orchard Lake St. Mary's runs through a hole in the DeWitt line during their Division 3 State Semi-final game